Retractable storage system for handheld electronic device

ABSTRACT

A retractable storage system for handheld electronic device has a plug head actuation system to operably connect or disconnect the plug head and one or more storage chambers to house a retraction mechanism and/or a battery. At least one accessory station structured on the housing member of the device has an aperture for arresting, dispensing and/or charging at least one accessory item, such as a wireless earbud or e-cigarette. The retraction mechanism retrieves and dispense the stored accessory item through the accessory station.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/503,467 filed Oct. 1, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/182,645 filed Feb. 18, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No.8,879,773, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/872,157 filed Apr. 29, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,774,446, whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/639,968 filedApr. 29, 2012, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

U.S. application Ser. No. 13/872,157 filed Apr. 29, 2013, now U.S. Pat.No. 8,774,446, is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. applicationSer. No. 29/430,245 filed Aug. 23, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. D698,772,which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No.29/417,184 filed Mar. 30, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. D667,823, each ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

U.S. application Ser. No. 13/872,157 filed Apr. 29, 2013, now U.S. Pat.8,774,446, is a continuation of PCT Application No. PCT//US2013/038599filed Apr. 29, 2013, which claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/639,968 filed Apr. 29, 2012 and U.S. application Ser.No. 29/430,245 filed Aug. 23, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. D698,772, each ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to accessory systems for handheldelectronic devices, more particularly, the present invention provides aprotective carrier system that houses a handheld electronic device andprovides retractable earphones, earphone station and storage to thehandheld electronic device.

2. Description of the Related Art

Handheld electronic devices are becoming more and more popular asconsumer goods and are frequently used in performing our dailycommunication needs. Devices like the iPhone™, iPad™, iPod™,Blackberry™, cell phones, mobile video players, KINDLE™ eReaders,Android™ devices are now intimate parts of daily life. This popularityhas created a desire for protective cases well as varieties of choicefor aesthetic freshness that enable these devices with a look ofconsumer-preferred style with modest cost. Additionally these protectivecases have become increasingly armored (stronger) to protect againstunintended breakage.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,648,027, the entire contents of which areenclosed by reference, describes a protective apparatus to accommodate aportable device, such as a cell phone, with a wire-wrap member attachedat the back panel. It does not address the problem of tangledheadphone/earbud cable when it is wound in such a manner. Theheadphone/earbud cable can not only become damaged, but tangles areinadvertently created.

US Patent Pub. No. 2011/0233078, also incorporated herein by reference,describes a holder design for portable devices that also provides astorage compartment for earphones. It uses a spring loaded type rewinderwhich can subject the headphone/earbud cable to undue pressure. Thespring loaded rewinder can create drastic, uncontrollable speed of therotating wheel upon release of the spring loaded mechanism to rewind thecable, thereby damaging and/or shortening the life of the cable. Also ofrelated example are U.S. Published Application No. 2011/0170732(Parker), U.S. Pat. No. 6,731,956 (Hanna et al.), and U.S. PublishedApplication No. 2010/0279743 (Sim), the contents of all of which areincorporated herein by reference. Each of these devices utilizes aspring loaded mechanism to retract the headphone/earbud cable. Thesespring loaded device can create drastic, uncontrollable speed of therotating wheel or spring reel upon release of the spring loadedmechanism to rewind/retract the cable, thereby subjecting the cables toundue pressure, and damaging and/or shortening the life of the cable.

Accordingly, the claimed invention proceeds upon the desirability ofproviding a storage system for handheld electronic device that safelyretracts and stores items.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Proposed is a novel carrier system with built-in retractableearphone/earbud system that accommodates a variety of earphone stylesand is adaptable for a variety of handheld electronic devices aredisclosed.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, aneasy to put on carrier case, can be made of molded plastic having awrap-around side walls, a back panel and an open front aperture for ahandheld electronic device to slide into. The back panel being ofmonolithic construction and having an enlarged compartment built at thetop area for inclusion with an earbud station. The earbud stationprovides secure fixed hosting seats for a pair of pullable or ejectableearbuds/earphones to sit into when not being used. Various apertures areconfigured in the wrap-around side walls to allow direct access tovarious buttons on the electronic device.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, apair of hounded regions or chambers with related wire channels forcontaining earphone/ear bud cables are configured monolithically anddirectly in the back panel. Earphones/earbuds with their long cablesbeing wrapped into the chambers, and a channel to allow the plug head tobe fixedly held at the earbud station for easily plug in to theheadphone jack of a handheld device.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, amiddle panel, or cassette member, is configured similarly with a pair ofchambers and operable wire channels for containing and guidingearphone/earbud cables.

In accordance exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, one of thechambers is fixedly mounted with an exterior antenna/transmitter IC chipthat provides a secondary amplification for a cell phone signal,providing a solution for limited cell phone signal amplification due tospace limitation inside a cell phone (such as an iPhone™ or an iPad™).

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, aretractable storage system for a handheld electronic device comprises aprotective housing member having a back panel and plurality of sidewalls forming a bounding member operative shaped and sized to bound thehandheld device and enable wrapping around the handheld device. Anenlarged compartment is configured proximate the back panel,intersecting with a top side wall of the housing member. The top sidewall forms an aperture in connecting with the compartment. An accessorystation is mounted inside the compartment and forms aperture structurefor arresting and dispensing an accessory item of the handheld device. Aremovable middle panel is removably mounted inside the housing member,in parallel to the back panel, having a top edge neighboring and belowthe enlarged compartment. One or more storage chambers are structured onthe removable middle panel for storing the accessory item, connectingwith one or more channels wherein the channels leading to the accessorystation.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, theaforesaid retractable storage system further comprises at least oneearphone cable with a earbud and a plug head, and at least oneretractable mechanism which is operably mounted inside one of thestorage chamber for automatically retracting a cable for storage. Theearbud is removably secured in said accessory station, the cable beingremovably coiled within a spring-biased spool of said retractablemechanism, and a plug head of said cable being connected to a earphonejack of the handheld device, wherein said earphone is pulled from theaccessory station with the cable extending from said storage chamberwhen in use.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, theaforesaid retractable mechanism comprises a friction based brakingsystem to reduce a rotational speed of the spring-biased spool duringthe retraction of the cable.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, theaforesaid friction based braking system comprises at least one dampingpad to reduce the rotational speed of the spring-biased spool during theretraction of the cable.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, theaforesaid retractable storage system comprises a retraction button tocontrol the retractable mechanism to retract the cable.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, theaforesaid retraction button is a spring loaded such that the retractionbutton remains in or returns to a first position unless the retractionbutton is moved and held at a second position to retract the cable tothe storage chamber.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, theaforesaid retractable storage system comprises a plug head actuationsystem for operably removing and connecting the plug head of the cableto the earphone of the handheld device.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, theaforesaid retractable storage system comprises an accessory button todispense the earbud from the accessory station.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, theaforesaid accessory button is a spring loaded such that the accessorybutton remains in or returns to a first position unless the accessorybutton is moved and held at a second position to dispense the earbudfrom the accessory station.

In accordance with exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, theaforesaid retractable storage system comprises a pair of earphones, eachconnected to a separate cable, and two retractable mechanism. Eachretractable mechanism is mounted inside its respective storage chamberfor automatically retracting is respective cable. Each retractablemechanism is independently controlled such that each cable isindependently retractable.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, theaforesaid retractable storage system comprises a first and secondretraction buttons to independently control the respective retractablemechanism.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention,each aforesaid retraction button is a spring loaded such that eachretraction button remains in or returns to a first position unless eachretraction button is moved and held at a second position to retract therespective cable to the respective storage chamber.

in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, theaforesaid retractable storage system comprises a headphone cable with anaudio plug and a headphone plug, and a retractable mechanism which isoperably mounted inside a storage chamber for automatically retractingthe headphone cable for storage. The headphone plug is removably securedin the accessory station. The headphone cable is removably coiled withina spring-biased spool of the retractable mechanism. The audio plug headis connected to a earphone jack of the handheld device. The headphoneplug is pulled from the accessory station with the cable extending fromthe storage chamber for use with a headphone.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, theaforesaid retractable storage system comprises a retraction button tocontrol the retractable mechanism to retract said headphone cable.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, theaforesaid retractable storage system comprises a pair of earphones, eachconnected to a separate magnetized cable. Each magnetized cable ismagnetically attracted to each other to form a single cable which can beremovably coiled within the same spring-biased spool of the retractablemechanism. The earphone is pulled from the accessory station with thesingle cable extending from the storage chamber and peelable into twoseparate cables when in use.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, theaforesaid accessory item is at least one of the following: a lip balm, alipstick, a cigarette or a cigar. The aforesaid retractable storagesystem further comprises an accessory button to dispense the accessoryitem from the storage chamber through the accessory station.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, theaforesaid retractable storage system comprises at least one batterymounted inside a storage chamber for charging at least an accessory itemor the handheld device. The accessory station is a charging stationwhich is electrically connected to the battery to charge the accessoryitem stored within the charging station.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, theaforesaid accessory item is a wireless earbuds or e-cigarettes. Theaforesaid retractable storage system further comprises an accessorybutton to dispense the accessory item from the charging station.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, theaforesaid accessory station comprises a station adapter configured withelastic material to adjust the aperture size of the accessory station.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, theaforesaid retractable storage system comprises a plurality of coloredLEDs to display a logo, advertisement or aesthetically pleasing patternson the back panel of the housing member. The handheld electronic deviceis operably connected to the LEDs to control and change the patterns,logo or advertisement displayed by the LEDs.

The above and other aspects, features and advantages of the presentinvention become apparent from the following description read inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like referencenumerals designate the same elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a retractable storage system housing ahandheld device in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of theclaimed invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged partially cut-away view of the upper side of thecompartment area for earphone/earbud station in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a retractable storage systemfor storing earphone cables and a handheld electronic device forassembling together in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of theclaimed invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the retractable storage systemof FIG. 3, a removable panel for storing earphone cables and a handhelddevice for assembling together in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the claimed invention;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a retractable storage systemfor storing earphone cables in accordance with an exemplary embodimentof the claimed invention;

FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view of the retractable storage system ofFIG. 5 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimedinvention.

FIG. 7 is an exemplary front view of a retractable store system inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

FIG. 8 is an exemplary back view of a retractable storage system inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

FIG. 9 is an exemplary right side view of a retractable storage systemin accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

FIG. 10 is an exemplary left side view of a retractable storage systemin accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

FIG. 11 is an exemplary top side view of a retractable storage system inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

FIG. 12 is an exemplary bottom side view of a retractable storage systemin accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

FIGS. 13A-B are exemplary illustrative views of an operativewedge-actuation system for removing and re-installing an audio jackelement (3.5 mm type or other) from the electronic device in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

FIG. 14 is an exemplary illustrative view of an operativelever-actuation system for removing and re-installing an audio jackelement from the electronic device in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the claimed invention;

FIG. 15 is an exemplary illustrative exemplary view of an operativetwist-actuation system for removing and re-installing an audio jackelement from the electronic device in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the claimed invention;

FIG. 16 is a partial section view of the retractable storage system withbattery chambers in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of theclaimed invention;

FIG. 17 is an exemplary perspective view of the retractable storagesystem for storing, charging and dispensing wireless earbuds inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

FIG. 18 is an exemplary back view of the retractable storage system witha plurality of colored LEDs in accordance with an exemplary embodimentof the claimed invention;

FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of a retractable mechanism forstoring and retracting a cable in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the claimed invention;

FIGS. 20A-B are perspective views of a retractable storage system with aretractable mechanism engaged and disengaged, respectively, forretracting a cable in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of theclaimed invention;

FIGS. 21A-B are perspective views of a retractable storage system with aretractable mechanism and a friction based braking system disengaged andengaged, respectively, for controlling the speed of the spring loadedspool in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimedinvention;

FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of a retractable mechanism forstoring and retracting a cable in accordance with an exemplaryembodiment of the claimed invention;

FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective view of a retractable storage systemwith a retractable mechanism for storing and retracting earphone cablein accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

FIGS. 24A-B are exploded perspective view of the retractable mechanismfor storing and housing earphone cables with a retraction button tocontrol the retraction mechanism and an accessory button to dispense apair of earbuds from an accessory station in accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the claimed invention;

FIGS. 25A-B are back view and perspective view of a retractable storagesystem for storing, charging and dispensing e-cigarette in accordancewith an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention; and

FIGS. 26A-B are back view and perspective view of a retractable storagesystem for storing and dispensing a headphone plug/cable for use with astandard headphone in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of theclaimed invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the claimedinvention. Wherever possible, same or similar reference numerals areused in the drawings and the description to refer to the same or likeparts or steps. The drawings are in simplified form and are not toprecise scale. For purposes of convenience and clarity only, directional(up/down, etc.) or motional (forward/back, etc.) terms may be used withrespect to the drawings. These and similar directional terms should notbe construed to limit the scope of the invention in any manner.

It will be understood that the phrases earbud and earphone, singularlyor in plural form, may be used interchangeably and without limitation,such that earbud(s) or an earphone(s) system or element can beunderstood to operate in accordance with this inventive disclosure.

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figuresillustrate the general manner of construction, and description anddetails of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoidunnecessarily obscuring the invention.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in thedescription and the claims, if any, may be used for distinguishingbetween similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particularsequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the termsso used are interchangeable. It is also understood, that the phrasesembodiment or version may be used interchangeably and without unduelimitation. There is no restriction such that an embodiment is more orless restrictive or definitive than a version of the present invention.Furthermore, the terms “comprise,” “consisting of”, “include,” “have,”and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusiveinclusions, such that a process, method, article, apparatus, orcomposition that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limitedto those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listedor inherent to such process, method, article, apparatus, or composition.

It is contemplated and intended that the operative embodiments orversions of the claimed invention may be readily modified to anysuitable handheld devices of any size that provides an audio output orinterconnection system and thus may take earbud/earphone jacks; forclarity reason, the examples are given based on IPOD™ or IPHONE™ butwill be understood to apply to any hand-held device, cell phone, smartphone, computer, laptop, tablet, ereader or otherwise withoutlimitations. The case shapes may be molded with metal, rubber, plastic,or of any other formable material or combination of materials havingvariable module(s) of elasticity. Thus a rigid plastic bottom may beco-molded with a more flexible plastic side wall, and a slick-slipperysided guide channel portions. A variety of colors and material patternsmay be used for styles and fashions.

In reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, handheld electronic device system 110,for example, an IPOD™/IPHONE™ is contained inside the housing 111 ofcarrier case 100. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of theclaimed invention, housing 111 is made of a thin layer of plastic,leather material, rubber or other moldable and flexible durable andlight material, provides a protective layer for device 110 fromscratching and other damages. Housing 111 is built in variety of shapesand sizes to tightly match the various designs of handheld devices andis not limited to the shapes shown. For example, it can be rectangularand with sufficient thickness to match an iPHONE™, or it can be squareto match a KINDLE™ eReader. It can also provide a personalized andcustomized pattern or color for a user to have a feel of fashion orpersonal decoration. Various apertures 103, 113 on the side wall or topside of the case 100 can be configured to accommodate access to variousbuttons of the electronic device 110, such as power button 120, volumecontrol button 114, and ports, such as USB port.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention,carrier case 100 does not have a front panel, allowing full directaccess to the front screen 122 of device 110. Especially for touchscreen devices, this front opening is functionally convenient, yetelegant in style. The edge of side walls of housing 111 is slightlycurved as a retaining lip to increase the holding grip on device 110.Alternatively, the side walls of housing 111 is a rubberized surface toincrease the holding grip on device 110.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, thetop area 400 of case 100 covering the earphone jack 112 area isconfigured with a slightly burgeon compartment or bounded region 125 formounting earphone/earbud station 115 (FIGS. 3 and 4). In accordance withan aspect of the claimed invention, earphone or earbud station 115 cancomprise one aperture or two cylindrical apertures, sized to hold a pairof earphones 117, 119 (e.g., a wireless earphones or earbuds) withfriction, but may be monolithically formed with case 100 (not separate)and may be also co-continuous (not separate openings). Alternatively,the earphone stations 107, 109 can comprise one opening to receive apair of earbuds or earphones 117, 119. The material of earbud station115 may be made of either plastic or an elastomeric or the combinationof materials for elasticity. Adaptor rings may be provided (shown butnot numbered) for adjusting a general opening to a reduced size forperfect fitting of a particular earbud to the station 115. Earbudconnecting cables 121, 123 are contained inside the carrier case housing111 through apertures of earphone station 115 and reel in and out duringuse.

In reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, carrier case 100 includes a middlecassette or plug-in panel 300 that is configured with one, two or morechambers 127, 129 for containing earphone/earbud cables 121,123. Inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention,retractable mechanisms 127A, 129A, such as spring reels or spools 610can be replaceably inserted into the chambers 127, 129 for automaticretraction of the earphone cables 121, 123 after use. The retractionmechanism is individually indexable (retraction, partial retraction,hold in position etc.) and each retraction mechanism is individuallyoperable (one ear bud or both). An additional exterior antennareceiver/transmitter chip (not shown) may also be fixedly mounted insidethe chambers, or proximate to the shell and body to enhance a cell phonesignal receiving/sending capacity. Alternatively, the pair of earphones117, 119 can be connected to a single earphone cable, thereby requiringonly one chamber 127 for containing a single earphone/earbud cable 121and only one retractable mechanism 127A for automatic retraction of theearphone cable 121 after use.

Earphone/earbud cables 121, 123 are guided with channels to therespective chambers 127, 129 where the rest of the cable length iscoiled inside the chambers 127, 129. Earphone/earbud plug head 105 isguided by one of the channels to the top to be in the proximity of anearphone jack of handheld device 100. Earphone/earbud earplugs orearpieces 117, 119 are housed in or fit into earphone station 115, whenin use, optionally one or both, can be pulled from the station 115, andretracted back to the station 115 after use using a continuous pull or aratchet as is known in the electrical-power-cord-retraction-art.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention,panel 300 is configured to be easily assembled with and into theexterior housing 111 and held by friction or a slight protrusionconfigured inside housing 111, and may be optionally sonically fixed(welded) or otherwise fixed in place. Similarly, the earbud station 201can be assembled removably or in a fixed manner. As exemplary shown inFIG. 23, the carrier case 200 comprises a hinged cover 203 to open andclose the aperture of the earbud station 201 or charging station 510.

As will be understood by those of skill in the art, the outer housingthickness of 111 may also be formed with openings or transparentportions to show a brand region on the electronic device. Similarly,such openings or portions may be provided to receive retractionmechanisms 127A, 129A as a stylized configuration. In accordance with anexemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, as shown in FIG. 18, thecarrier case 200 comprises multiple colored light emitting diodes (LEDs)550 to display a logo, advertisement or aesthetically pleasing patternson the back of the case. Preferably, the LED lights 550 are connected toelectronic device via wire or wirelessly such that the electronic devicecan control and change the patterns, logo or advertisement displayed bythe LEDs 550.

The back panel of housing 111 is configured with a slightly enlargedbounding region or compartment 125 for mounting earphone/earbud station115. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimedinvention, as shown in FIG. 5, earbud/earphone station 201 is structuredto be an elongated tubular structure with two or more apertures 203, 205shaped to match an earplug head and can be removably positioned or canbe fixed in place. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of theclaimed invention, the station holder 201 can be monolithically moldedinto the backing of the case 100, 200. The apertures of the earbudstation 201 can be configured slightly bigger than most of the earplugheads but puffed with rubber like material, to able to fit an O-ring orother adaptive structures for elasticity and tight fitness. Panel 300may be replaced with other types of configurations suitable for theparticular electronic device. It is appreciated that the panel 300 caninclude openings or regions that allow use of any electronic-devicecamera/video, aperture, or brand indicia.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, thechamber structure and channels can be monolithically, directly molded onthe middle cassette or plug-in panel 300 or back panel of housing 211.In reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the handheld device carrier case 200comprises a housing 211 and one or more storage chambers 605 toremovably house one or more accessories, such as earbud cables, wirelessheadbuds, headphone cables, e-cigarettes, cigars, cigarettes, lipsticks,lip balms, and like. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of theclaimed invention, the chambers 605 can house one or more retractablemechanism 600. Chamber structure 605 with one or more guiding channels213, 215, 216 can be configured on the interior side of the back panelof housing 211 or on the plug-in panel 300. Earphone station 201 can bemounted at the top ends of the channels 213, 215. Channel 216 isconfigured for holding earphone plug head 225 to be plug into theearphone jack of a handheld device 110. Channels 213, 215 guide theearphone cables 229, 231 when they are pulled out for use and retractedinto the respective retracting mechanism 600 for storage.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, aspring box can be mounted inside each retractable mechanism 600 forautomatic and independent retraction of the cables 229, 231 after use.As exemplary shown in FIG. 19, the retractable mechanism 600 comprises aspool 610 to store the cable, a motor spring 620 and a spool contactdisc 630 to electrically connect the cables 231, 229 to an audio jackelement or earphone plug 225 which connects to the handheld electronicdevice 110. To retract the cables 231, 229, the retractable mechanism600 releases the motor spring 620 which rotates the spool 610 to roll orwrap the cables onto the spool. One or both cables 231, 229 are unwoundfrom its respective spring-biased spool 610 by the user and the cablesare wound on the spring biased spool 610 by the retractable mechanism600 after use. Alternatively, as exemplary shown in FIGS. 22-23, theretractable mechanism 600 can comprise a washer 625 that abuts againstthe back panel of the housing 211, the motor spring 620, the spool 610,a spool contact disc 630 fasted or connected onto the spool 610 and acontact film 635, preferably a printed circuit board (PCB), which isfixed to the plug-in panel 300. The contacts on the spool contact disc630 permits the cables 231, 229 on the rotating spool 610 to remain inelectrical connection with the contact film 635. The contact film iselectrically connected to the plug head 225.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, theautomatic retraction of the cables 229, 231 can be triggered by a gentlepull of the respective cable 229, 231 or by engaging a respectiveretraction or spool button 650, as exemplary shown in FIGS. 20 and 21.The retraction button 650 can be a push on/off button or a slidableretraction button moveable to the first and second positions. Eachretracting mechanism 600 can be independently operated and controlled bythe respective retraction button 650. As exemplary shown in FIG. 20A,the slidable retraction button 650 is moved to the second position (ormoved towards the top end of the case) to engage the retractablemechanism 600 to retract the cables. As exemplary shown in FIG. 20B, theslidable retraction button 650 is moved to the first position (or movedtowards the bottom end of the case) to prevent the retractable mechanism600 from retracting the cables into the spool 610 but permitting theuser to pull out more cable.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, asexemplary shown in FIGS. 21A-B, the slidable retraction button 650 isspring loaded such that it remains in the first position until theretraction button 650 is moved to second position to retract the cables229, 231 and returns automatically to the first position when theretraction button 650 is released. That is, the retraction button 650must be held in the second position to retract the cables 229, 231,otherwise the retraction button 650 returns to the first position. Theuser moves the retraction button 600 to the second or “retract” positionby sliding the button towards the bottom end of the case and holds theretraction button 650 to retract the respective cables 229, 231 ontotheir respective spool or reel 610, and the release of the refractionbutton 650 stops or disengages the retractable mechanism 600. That is,two cables 229, 231 can be pulled independently from its respectivespool 610 to pull out a different cable length, e.g., 1 foot of cable231 is pulled out and 2 foot of cable 229 is pulled out. Additionally,for example, cable 231 can be retracted independent of cable 229, suchthat the earbud 221 connected to cable 231 is completely retracted intothe earphone/earbud station 201 while the earbud 223 connected to cable229 remains outside of the earphone/earbud station 201.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, theearbuds 221 and 223 can be attached to the same cable, thereby requiringonly one retracting mechanism 600, as exemplary shown in FIGS. 20A-B and24A-B. The earbuds 221, 223 docketed or stored in the earbud station 201when not in use can be retrieved or ejected from the earbud station 201.In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, thecarrier case 200 comprises an accessory button 655 to slide out theearbuds 221, 223 from the earbud station 201, as exemplary shown inFIGS. 24A-B. The accessory button 655 is moved towards the earbudstation 201 to slide out the earbuds 221, 223 and is moved away from theearbud station 201 to slide the earbuds 221, 223 into the earbud station201. Alternatively, the accessory button 655 can be spring loaded,similar to the retraction button 650, so that the accessory button 655remains in or returns to the first position (as exemplary shown in FIG.24A) unless the accessory button 655 is moved to and held at the secondposition to eject or slide out the earbuds 221, 223 from the earbudstation 201 (as exemplary shown in FIG. 24B).

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, asexemplary shown in FIGS. 21A-21B, each retractable mechanism 600comprises a friction based braking system 640 to control and reduce thespeed of the spring reel or spool 610 when the cables 229, 231 are beingretracted into the retractable mechanism 600. The motor spring 620 ofthe spring loaded retractable mechanism 600 can rotate the spring reelor spool 610 at drastic, uncontrollable speed upon release of the springloaded mechanism 600 to retract the cable, thereby potentiallystretching or even damaging the cables 229, 231. In accordance with anaspect of the claimed invention, the friction based braking system 640comprises one or more damping pads 660 to slow down the spring reel orspool 610. For example, when the spring loaded retractable mechanism 600is in retraction mode (the retraction button 650 is in the second orretract position, as exemplary shown in FIG. 21B), the damping pads 660are engaged to apply pressure to the spool 610 to slow its rotationalspeed.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, asexemplary shown in FIGS. 26A-B, the storage chamber 501, 605 andrefraction mechanism 600 retracts and stores the headphone plug/cable550 for use with a standard headphone (not shown). The retractablemechanism 600, preferably comprising the friction based braking system640, automatically retracts the headphone plug/cable 550 after use.Similar to the earbud cables 229, 231, the automatic retraction of theheadphone plug/cable 550 can be triggered by a gentle pull on the cable550 or by engaging the retraction button 650. The headphone plug 550docketed or stored in the earbud station 201 when not in use can beretrieved or ejected from the earbud station 201. Similar to the earbuds221, 223, the station 201 is configured to accommodate the headphoneplug 550 and the accessory button 655 slides the headphone plug 550 inand out of the station 201, as exemplary shown in FIGS. 26A-B. Theaccessory button 655 is moved towards the station 201 to slide out theheadphone plug 550 and is moved away from the station 201 to slide theheadphone plug 550 into the station 201. Alternatively, the accessorybutton 655 can be spring loaded such that the accessory button 655remains in or returns to the first or “rest” position until theaccessory button 655 is moved to second position to eject or slide outthe headphone plug 550 from the station 201. The headphone plug 500 canbe used with the headphone by inserting the pulled out headphone plug550 into an audio port on the headphone or headset (not shown).

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, thecables 231, 229 can be magnetized such that two cables 231, 229 act as asingle cable. A magnetic compound powder can be added to the moltenrubber/plastic coating to the first cable 231 and a ferrous metal powdercan be added to the molten rubber/plastic coating the second cable 229.Once cured and molded, these two separable cables 231, 229 aremagnetically attracted to each other to form a single cable but allowingthe user to peal apart into two cables. Depending on the application ofthe claimed invention, the magnetized cables 231, 229 can operate with adual retractable mechanism 600 or a single retractable mechanism 600. Inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, thetwo magnetized cables 231, 229 are independently retracted by therespective dual retractable mechanism 600. Channels 213, 215 separatesthe two magnetized cables 231, 229 and guide the two magnetized cables231, 229 when they are pulled out and retracted into the respective dualretractable mechanism 600. When two earbuds 221, 223 attached to the twomagnetized cables 231, 229 are pulled out from the earphone station 201,the two magnetized cables 231, 229 are magnetically attracted to eachother to form a single cable and the user can peel apart a section ofthe two magnetized cables 231, 229 to separate the earbuds 221, 223.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, thetwo magnetized cables 231, 229 are magnetically attached to form asingle cable and retracted into the same retractable mechanism. That is,one of the channel 213, 215 guides both magnetized cables 231, 229 whenthey are pulled out and retracted into the same retractable mechanism600. When two earbuds 221, 223 attached to the two magnetized cables231, 229 are pulled out, the user can separate the two magneticallyattached cables 231, 229 into two separate cables 231, 229 of desiredlength.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, asshown in FIGS. 16-17, the back panel of carrier case 200 or one side ofthe plug-in panel 300 can comprise one or more storage chambers 501 tohouse one or more batteries 500 instead of the retractable mechanisms600. Although, the storage chambers 501 are shown as circular in FIG.16, it is appreciated that the storage chamber 501 can be shaped tohouse a different shaped battery 500, such as a square or rectangularshaped battery 500. The battery 500 is operable to extend the batterylife of the electronic device and/or charge the wireless earbuds 520,preferably Bluetooth™ earbuds 520, when it is placed in the chargingstation 510. The wireless earbuds 520 click in and out of the chargingstation 510. The wireless earbuds 520 communicates wirelessly, such asvia Bluetooth, with the electronic device 110. Preferably, the accessorybutton 655 can be used to dispense or pushed out the wireless earbuds520 from the charging station 510, as exemplary shown in FIGS. 24A-Bwith wired earbuds 221, 223. The battery chambers 501 are in electricalconnection with the electronic device and the charging station 510. Inaccordance with an aspect of the claimed invention, the guides 213, 215houses wires connecting the earbud station 510 and guide 216 can be usedto house wires connecting the battery 500 to the electronic device.Accordingly, the claimed system provides protection, storage and batterymanagement to wireless Bluetooth earphones and smartphones. Although twostorage chambers 501 and two batteries 500 are shown in FIG. 16, it isappreciated that the carrier case 200 can comprise one storage chamber501 to house one battery 500.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, asexemplary shown in FIG. 25A-B, the back panel of carrier case 200 or oneside of the plug-in panel 300 can be monolithically, directly moldedwith chambers and/or channels to house one or more accessories 530, suchas lipsticks, lip protection balm, cigarettes, cigars or electroniccigarettes (or e-cigarettes). The ejection button 655 can be used toretrieve, push out or eject an accessory from the storage chambers 501.It is appreciated that although the storage chamber 501 is illustratedas being circular in FIG. 16, it can be molded into any shape toaccommodate different shaped accessories, such as a tubular shapedstorage chamber to store e-cigarette, cigar, cigarette, lip balm orlipstick, as exemplary shown in FIGS. 25A-B. As with the wirelessearbuds 520, the charging station 510 charges the e-cigarette 530 usingthe internal battery 500 when it is stored in the storage chamber 501and can be ejected from the storage chamber 501 by the retraction button650, as exemplary shown in FIG. 25B.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, anexterior antenna transmitter/receiver may be fixedly mounted into thechamber structures 605 to enhance the signal reception of the handheldelectronic device, such as a cellular or WI-FI reception for a cellphone.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the claimed invention, asshown in FIG. 18, the carrier case 200 comprises multiple colored LEDlights 550 to display a logo, advertisement or aesthetically pleasingpatterns on the back of the case. Preferably, the LED lights 550 areconnected to electronic device via wire or wirelessly such that theelectronic device can control and change the patterns, logo oradvertisement displayed by the LED lights 550.

Other features exterior look may be configured as described in FIGS.7-12 for matching a handheld device, with sufficient aperturesconfigured on the sides for accessing the buttons of the device. Theseviews are provided for non-limiting illustrative purposes. As will benoted in FIG. 13, the upper lip region is slightly larger to encompassthe particular audio jack (3.5 mm type) in these versions, but shouldjack-access be on the bottom region, the larger region in the case wouldbe optionally positioned to allow insertion and removal appropriate tothe electronic device. Although, FIGS. 7-12 show the carrier case foruse with a cell phone or smart phone, it is appreciated that theinventive carrier case can be applied to any hand held electronicdevice, such as a tablet, e-reader, MP3 device and a remote controldevice for controlling operating an electronic device, such as TVs,blu-ray players, video-streaming players, etc.

Regarding FIGS. 13-15, illustrative exemplary actuation systems 301,302, 303 in accordance with embodiments of the claimed invention areprovided. In actuation system 301 as exemplary shown in FIGS. 13A-B, anaudio jack element or earphone plug (e.g., 105, or 225) can be removedand inserted using a wedge member 310 by the moving or sliding the plugbutton 315 towards the jack element 225 (as exemplary shown in FIG. 13A)to drive wedge 310 under and thus lift the jack element 225 out of thereceiving hole 112 (e.g., an audio port) in the handheld electronicdevice 110. Thereafter, the plug button 315 is moved away from the jackelement 225 (as exemplary shown in FIG. 13B) and the jack element 225 ispushed downwardly into the receiving hold 112 to reinstall the jack fordesired use. In this way, a user can easily (and one-handedly) removeand reinsert the jack element 225 and thus activate and deactivate theearbud system.

As exemplary shown in FIG. 14, a lever member 314 has a projectingportion 315 through a case opening and a fixed position 316 allowingmember 314 to operate as a pivot lever. Lever member 314 is configuredto capture the jack element or earphone plug 105, 225 and control itsmovement relative to the insertion axis, and thus similarly lifting orremoving the earphone plug 105, 225 in direction A from the receivinghole 112 of the electronic device and inserting the earphone plug 105,225 in direction B into the receiving hole 112 of the electronic device.

As exemplary shown in FIG. 15, a pivot member 320 is captively pivotablewithin case 100, 200 to operably secure the jack member or earphone plug105, 225 to the electronic device. The pivot member 320 is operable inpivot motion A to remove earphone plug 105, 225 from the receiving hole112 of the electronic device and operable in pivot motion B to insertthe earphone plug 105, 225 into the receiving hole 112 of the electronicdevice. Such pivoting may be threaded (both pivot and rising/lowering),or may be a pivot-wedge system (pivot-driving-a-wedge for lifting withpress-return) without departing from the scope and spirit of the presentinvention. As will be understood by those of skill in the art, each ofthese alternative and operative mechanisms, or means, areinsertion-removal means and are not limited to the present alternativeillustrations, but instead include all related variations thataccomplish a similar function.

In the claims, means- or step-plus-function clauses are intended tocover the structures described or suggested herein as performing therecited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalentstructures. Thus, for example, although a nail, a screw, and a bolt maynot be structural equivalents in that a nail relies on friction betweena wooden part and a cylindrical surface, a screw's helical surfacepositively engages the wooden part, and a bolt's head and nut compressopposite sides of a wooden part, in the environment of fastening woodenparts, a nail, a screw, and a bolt may be readily understood by thoseskilled in the art as equivalent structures.

Having described at least one of the embodiments of the claimedinvention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will beapparent to those skills that the invention is not limited to thoseprecise embodiments, and that various modifications and variations canbe made in the presently disclosed system without departing from thescope or spirit of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the presentdisclosure cover modifications and variations of this disclosureprovided they come within the scope of the appended claims and theirequivalents.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A retractable storage system for a handheldelectronic device, comprising: a protective housing member; at least oneaccessory station; at least one cable with a plug head and an end piece;and a plug head actuation system comprising a mechanical switchcomponent operably connected to the plug head to connect or disconnectthe plug head to a port of the handheld electronic device.
 22. Theretractable storage system of claim 21, wherein the mechanical switchcomponent is configured to move the plug head to connect or disconnect asignal connection between the plug head and the port while confining theplug head substantially within the port of the handheld electronicdevice.
 23. The retractable storage system of claim 22, furthercomprising one or more storage chambers.
 24. The retractable storagesystem of claim 23, further comprising at least one retractablemechanism mounted inside one of the storage chambers to retract andstore said at least one cable.
 25. The retractable storage system ofclaim 24, wherein said mechanical switch component further comprises aprojecting member protruding through an aperture of the protectivehousing member to control and operate the plug head actuation system.26. The retractable storage system of claim 25, wherein the end piece isat least one of the following accessory items: an earbud, earphone,headphone or audio plug.
 27. The retractable storage system of claim 24,further comprising at least one battery mounted inside one of thestorage chambers to charge the handheld electronic device.
 28. Aretractable storage system for a handheld electronic device, comprising:a protective housing member; at least one accessory station; at leastone cable with a plug head and an end piece; and a plug head actuationsystem comprising an actuation component configured to either pivot,turn or swivel the plug head to connect or disconnect the plug head intoa port of the handheld electronic device.
 29. The retractable storagesystem of claim 28, wherein the actuation component comprises at leastone of the following: a threaded screw, a cylindrical wedge or apivotable wedge to raise the plug head from or to lower the plug headinto the port of the handheld electronic device.
 30. The retractablestorage system of claim 29, further comprising one or more storagechambers.
 31. The retractable storage system of claim 30, furthercomprising at least one retractable mechanism mounted inside one of thestorage chambers to retract and store said at least one cable.
 32. Theretractable storage system of claim 31, wherein the actuation componentfurther comprises a projecting member protruding through an aperture ofthe protective housing member to control and operate the plug headactuation system.
 33. The retractable storage system of claim 32,wherein the end piece is at least one of the following accessory items:an earbud, earphone, headphone or audio plug.
 34. The retractablestorage system of claim 31, further comprising at least one batterymounted inside one of the storage chambers to charge the handheldelectronic device
 35. A retractable storage system for a handheldelectronic device, comprising: a protective housing member; at least oneaccessory station; at least one cable with a plug head and an end piece;and a plug head actuation system comprising a lever operably connectedto the plug head to connect or disconnect the plug head from a port ofthe handheld electronic device.
 36. The retractable storage system ofclaim 35, further comprising one or more storage chambers.
 37. Theretractable storage system of claim 36, further comprising at least oneretractable mechanism mounted inside one of the storage chambers toretract and store said at least one cable.
 38. The retractable storagesystem of claim 37, wherein the lever connects or disconnects the plughead from the port of the handheld device by a direct linear motion. 39.The retractable storage system of claim 38, wherein the lever comprisesa projecting member protruding through an opening on the protectivehousing member to operate the plug head actuation system by connectingor disconnecting the plug head from the port of the handheld electronicdevice.
 40. The retractable storage system of claim 39, wherein the endpiece is at least one of the following accessory items: an earbud,earphone, headphone or audio plug.
 41. The retractable storage system ofclaim 37, further comprising at least one battery mounted inside one ofthe storage chambers to charge the handheld electronic device.
 42. Theretractable storage system of claim 40, further comprising a retractionbutton to control said at least one retractable mechanism.
 43. Aretractable storage system for a handheld electronic device, comprising:a protective housing member; at least one cable with a plug head and anend piece; and a plug head actuation system comprising an actuationcomponent configured to drive the plug head and lift or lower the plughead from a port of the handheld electronic device.
 44. The retractablestorage system of claim 43, wherein the plug head is not fully removedfrom the port to connect or disconnect a signal between the plug headand the handheld electronic device.
 45. The retractable storage systemof claim 43, further comprising one or more storage chambers.
 46. Theretractable storage system of claim 45, further comprising at least oneretractable mechanism mounted inside one of the storage chambers toretract and store said at least one cable.
 47. The retractable storagesystem of claim 46, further comprising at least one accessory station.48. The retractable storage system of claim 47, wherein the actuationcomponent further comprises a projecting member protruding through anaperture of the protective housing member to control and operate theplug head actuation system.
 49. The retractable storage system of claim48, wherein the end piece is at least one of the following accessoryitems: an earbud, earphone, headphone or audio plug.
 50. The retractablestorage system of claim 47, further comprising at least one batterymounted inside one of the storage chambers to charge the handheldelectronic device.